Bullpups ward off Viking invasion 69-50

The final score wasn't really indicative of the McPherson High boys' home game against Winfield Friday, as both teams were fairly closely matched, with the exception of the second quarter.

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By Chris SwickSports Editor

McPhersonSentinel - McPherson, KS

By Chris SwickSports Editor

Posted Jan. 5, 2013 at 1:54 AM
Updated Jan 7, 2013 at 2:00 PM

By Chris SwickSports Editor

Posted Jan. 5, 2013 at 1:54 AM
Updated Jan 7, 2013 at 2:00 PM

MCPHERSON

The final score wasn't really indicative of the McPherson High boys' home game against Winfield Friday, as both teams were fairly closely matched, with the exception of the second quarter.

The Bullpups and the Vikings played a game of “anything you can do” during the first quarter, as the game was tied several times during the first eight minutes.

It was the second quarter, however, when the Bullpups finally made some adjustments to an unexpected zone defense from the Vikings and went to the races, dropping 25 points in the frame to take a 42-29 advantage into the locker room.

“Really, the first half, Keaton (Sorenson) and Kyler (Kinnamon) carried us,” McPherson coach Kurt Kinnamon said. “We're trying to be more cognizant of getting the ball inside to Keaton.”

Kyler Kinnamon and Sorenson both had 15 points for MHS at the half and finished with 21 and 19, respectively, showing why they are one of the top duos in Class 4A.

Ryan Horton had 11 and Marcus Houghton added in 10 points in the victory.

Winfield (5-2) sophomore guard Will Adler single-handedly kept the Vikings in the game, as he was responsible for 21 of Winfield's 69 points.

McPherson shot 50.8 percent from the field in the game, but only managed a trio of three-point buckets, two of which game from Kinnamon.

The only real dark spot for coach Kurt Kinnamon was the Pups' foul shooting, as MHS went only 6-for-18 on the night, with Kyler Kinnamon putting up half those in a 3-of-7 performance.

“I see Kyler in the gym every morning,” Kinnamon said. “It's not unusual to see him make 96, 97 out of 100.”

The MHS JV squad was just as dominating against Winfield, as the Bullpups won 81-48.

Avery Gabel had 25 points in the win, while Drew Pyle added 21.

The MHS freshmen were 56-32 winners over Winfield.

Next up for McPherson (6-1) is a Tuesday night road trip to Rose Hill, who defeated Buhler 48-39 Friday night. Tip off against the Rockets will tentatively be around 7:30 p.m.